Job Opportunity for Program Associate, Operations and Technical at Room to Read in Jharkhand

Position Overview:

The Program Associate, Literacy field will assist the planning and execution for all work related to implementing Room to Read’s program at the field level and provides strategic, technical and management support. The project is for a three (03) year duration and S/he will oversee the quality of implementation, coordination, development and reporting of the Literacy program for a set of schools. S/he would identify quality issues related to program design and management and discuss them with the supervisor and provide solutions at the field level. S/he would assist Program Officer with respect to teacher training and capacity building of government officials. The PA will report to the Program Officer/State Manager. This position will involve frequent travel to field locations as well as regular interaction with education officials, school administrators, teachers and students. S/he would serve as the main point of contact for the school and local government officials and coordinate the work of other RtR staff in his/her jurisdiction.

Roles & Responsibilities: 

• Develop a thorough understanding of Room to Read’s Literacy program design.
• Lead the program independently of assigned project area and ensure the program outcome in consultation with Reporting manager.
• Ensure the District level officials engagement in program, Encourage and facilitate field visit and create favorable environment for program implementation.
• Contribute to the preparation of conceptual notes, operation manuals/guidance and related tool kits in local language.
• Contribute in the co-creation of foundational literacy resources with State Education department.
• Contribute in policy (NEP/NIPUN/NCF) level strategic discussion with district Officials and represent organisation in DPMU.
• Liaison with district education departments to explore opportunities for technical assistance .
• Manage the ongoing implementation of the Literacy program for the set of schools under his/her jurisdiction, ensure timely, efficient, and well-coordinated implementation, adhere to the program and budget guidelines.
• Manage relationships with school, community and government counterparts   and respond to issues that may arise in these relationships.
• Ensure that all program schools receive project related resources at the appropriate time.
• Ensure setting up cluster libraries and utilization of resources .
• Ensure that all teacher training and capacity building activities are held as per plan and program guidelines, including the receipt of necessary approvals.
• Ensure that all target teachers access and go through with digital resources shared under teacher professional development plan.
• Ensure that program schools are monitored as per guidelines and the field staff perform their job effectively
• Ensure effective utilization of program budget through proper planning and tracking of planned activities. Ensure that financial and procurement norms are adhered to and efforts are made to be reduce cost to the extent possible, without compromising on the quality.
• Prepare cash advance, settlement, and reimbursement for program activities .
• Supervise and ensure all data entry and compilation   on monthly, quarterly and yearly basis, including GSD data. Maintain high level of data quality .
• Assist the Literacy Program Operations Officer in preparing programmatic and financial reports .
• Track progress of implementation and expenditures through regular review meetings and field visits; flag off deviations and delays at the earliest; ensure proper documentation of the meeting including follow up actions.
• Read and update oneself regarding the current national/international research in the field.
• Provide technical oversight to DIET/ district level officials and support them in their coaching and communication with government teachers and schools.
• Attend review meetings at the district and state/national level and participate in key government level meeting, trainings and development workshops.
• Assist PO in preparing regular (monthly, quarterly and yearly basis, including GSD data) qualitative reports and documenting case studies and best practices.
• Assist PO in literacy program AWP&B, IC and development of program tracking system for timely and quality implementation of activities.
• Make regular visits to program schools, observe classroom and/or library activities, speak to teachers and headmasters and supervise the functioning of the LFs/LbCs
• Identify design and quality issues, including problems being faced by LFs/LbCs. Discuss these issues with supervisor and based on that provide solutions at the field level.
• Conduct informal discussion at least 5 children during every school visit and discuss with teachers and share report to supervisors.
• Observe  field team by using structured observation form during regular school support visit.
• Act as the resource person with respect to teacher training and capacity building of field team.
• Assist in planning for all teacher trainings at the district/state level.
• Participate in training of trainers (TOT), central and monthly review meetings, provide reflective feedback on program implementation and design issues.
• Ensure proper implementation of community engagement plans.
• Participate actively on social media in all RtR campaigns.
• Participate in any other activities which may be required to be undertaken to fulfill the objectives of the organization

Qualification & Experience:  

• Bachelor’s Degree in education / social sciences or equivalent
• Master’s degree in education / social sciences or equivalent preferred
• Minimum 3-5 years of relevant experience in the education sector
• Good knowledge of Hindi and English language.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills
• Good interpersonal skills and a team player
• Proven track record of achieving results
• Proven ability to work effectively with schools and communities
• Ability to travel regularly to project sites in remote locations.

Preferred:
Prior success working closely and building relationships with diverse groups of people
Prior experience of working in a non-profit organization that is focused on maintaining high quality work and low overhead
Prior experience in a fast-paced, growth-oriented global or regional organization
Ability to juggle multiple priorities simultaneously and take initiative
Prior experience living and/or working in rural areas
Prior experience working with schools, teachers, administrators and government officials
Experience in successful implementation of a wide range of tasks as well as developing and implementing improvements in a prior position.

Compensation:

Room to Read offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits. The non-monetary compensation includes a unique opportunity to be part of an innovative, meaningful, and rapidly growing organization that is changing transforming the lives of millions of children in developing countries on literacy and gender equality in education.

Location(s)

India – Jharkhand

To be successful at Room to Read, you will also:

Have passion for our mission and a strong desire to impact a dynamic nonprofit organization
Be a proactive and innovative thinker who achieves results and creates positive change
Have a very high level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness
Embrace diversity and a commitment to collaboration
Thrive in a fast-paced and fun environment